Differences between laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring

Many people want the most stylish and chic covering on the floor in their home. It is important to understand the differences between laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring before you make a purchase. While they are similar in some ways, there are key dissimilarities that can affect your lifestyle. For one, laminates are a lot more cost effective. This is an important consideration if you have a limited budget or are doing a lot of other work on your residence.

Laminates are made of synthetic materials. Sometimes a few natural components are included in the structure as well. There is also a layer that gives the appearance of stone, or wood. This layer is quite attractive and is usually glued on. Many of the top producers of floor coverings manufacture both types of surfaces.

Some persons believe that you should always go with the more expensive solution if you can afford it. In their opinion, you get what you pay for and laminates simply look tacky. However it is easy to clean by using regular household products. It will not change color and looks good for a long period of time if the residents keep it dry most of the time. It is ideal for warm spaces, such as a sunroom.

If you frequently have liquid spills in your house, laminates deteriorate more quickly. This may be the situation when you have young children or entertain guests often. After a while this type of coat will start to bubble. It looks unattractive when air pockets develop between the base and the covering from moisture. This surface is also more slippery. If even a few drops of juice end up on it and a child or older relative does not look where they are going, they can fall.

Prefinished floors are made from real wood. They consist of different layers of hardwood. Each layer is placed at right angles to the one below it. This produces a stronger surface that is durable and more resistant to wear and impacts. It also makes it less likely to warp when it is placed near heat.

The surface of prefinished floors is actually made from a veneer layer. Laminates may appear to have a grain but this is actually a photographed image. This means that they cannot be refinished. Once you can find someone who is skilled enough to handle the job, it is fairly simple to refinish several of the engineered products that are available on the market.

If you are open to selling your home in the future or have definite plans to change ownership, hardwood may be a better choice. It increases the resale value of the property. The other option has little effect on the price of the building. Potential buyers know that prefinished floors offer them better value. They are environmentally friendly and add a touch of elegance to the property.

Once you understand the differences between laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring, you can choose between them as necessary. Always select the highest quality product in each category, since this will give you a more durable product. It will also allow you greater freedom and flexibility in the future.

Professional and founder of the Laminate Floor Installation Company.
Laminate flooring installer experienced, Licensed and Fully insured.
Member of the well known and respected NWFA National Wood Floor Association.